SC ESA Impact Brief ASPIRE Project Malawi

USAID/Malawi launched the Girls’ Empowerment through Education and Health (ASPIRE) Activity in December 2014, aiming to enhance the academic achievement of girls in upper primary and secondary school. The cross-sector investment recognized the importance of girls’ continuous presence and safety in school, coupled with a focus on their health and community support. Key objectives included improving reading skills, fostering positive sexual and healthcare-seeking behaviours among youth aged 10–19, and addressing structural and cultural barriers for girls in the same age group. ASPIRE implemented integrated girl-focused programming by consolidating funding streams (Basic Education, PEPFAR and Water Sanitation and Hygiene) from different technical teams within the USAID/Malawi mission to support girls’ learning, retention, safety, and self-efficacy for healthy decision-making.